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Helen Furniss Obituary
Helen Kelly Furniss, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and "Grand Lady" passed away peacefully the morning of February 2, 2014 incident to age.
Born in Lynndyl, Utah, February 16, 1922, she grew up in the area of Delta, Utah where she graduated from Delta High School. She was a cheerleader in college in Cedar city, Utah where she met her sweetheart, Earl W. Furniss. They were married in 1942 during WWII where Earl served as a first lieutenant pilot. In 1943 their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple and this union was finally blessed with a miracle child, a daughter Nancy Jo, who they loved beyond measure. During Earl's successful business carrier the two enjoyed traveling extensively, living in Salt Lake, Pennsylvania, Washington DC and Florida, creating life long friends and memories. Active in the LDS Church, Helen served in numerous callings but cherished her time as Relief Society president. She had a strong testimony of the gospel and shared it willingly to all who would listen. She was a talented singer and, along with her partner Earl, became an accomplished ballroom dancer.
Helen was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Earl. Survived by her daughter Nancy (Jeff) Gygi; 7 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren
Dear Helen,
The world is diminished because you aren't near,
but it's a better place because you were here.
A special lady, someone we will all miss,
You touched all our lives with your smile and your kiss.
We will miss your grace, your warmth and care,
but we need only to remember to know you're still there.
Now the music has started, the dance floor is dim.
Your partner is waiting, now run to him.
Dance on Gramma ~ we love you.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 6, 2014, 1:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road where viewings will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2014, 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, 12-12:45 p.m. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Furniss
Sponsored by McDougal Funeral Home.
Kristine Davis
February 7, 2014
My mother Adeline Petty was good friends with Helen. Adeline passed away a year ago and I would like to send Helen's family my condolences. She was a good friend to my mother. May God bless your family at this time. Kristine Petty Davis
February 6, 2014
Nancy, Please accept my sincere condolences for the passing or your mother. I have never forgotten the smile and laughter that she always seemed to have. She was very special, and clearly the apple didn't fall far from the tree. I know that your family will keep her in their hearts every day, and remember the great lessons that she gave to them.
Hoping that all is well with you,
Pat
Becky Bench
February 5, 2014
My "Granny Grunt" Great Grandma Helen will be greatly missed. I will miss her telling me she wants to look at me and draw me in really close and study me or my daughter with what eye sight she had left, I will miss her smile, her voice, holding her hand ( and her always telling me my hands are SO cold) or her arm to help her around. She was ans is a wonderful lady. I love her and I love you both!
Karl & Connie Rasmuson
February 5, 2014
Her Santa will always remember her for the Grand Lady she was. Karl and Connie Rasmuson
Kat Krause
February 5, 2014
Heartfelt condolences to you both, Nancy and Jeff, and to your families. May the lovely times you shared together, live on in your hearts.
Kelly and Marsha Benson
February 4, 2014
Nance & Jeff, Kelly and I love you two. I'm so glad I got to meet Helen. I love how she insisted on seeing what I look like, and we sat on the couch nose to nose. She was so sweet to me. Please know you're both in our thoughts and prayers.
February 4, 2014
Nancy, your mom was like a grandmother to my girls and they liked and appreciated her very much, as Ed and I did. We were blessed to have her for a neighbor for so many years. I can hear her cheerful voice even now. I know all of you will miss her. May God bless all of you. Glee Ann Harne
Ron Marshall
February 4, 2014
She was a great neighbor on Picture Drive.
Corie Hamilton
February 4, 2014
Nancy, I will always remember your sweet mama laughing and smiling as Jeff and I sang to her. I'm glad she had you two to love and care for her to the end. Remember the good times girl!
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